Antipodal Espresso

Countries from all over the world have adopted the cuisine and lifestyle of Italy and made it their own. In Australia/ New Zealand the Italian cappuccino has morphed into an espresso based drink called a “flat white“.

If not as romantic in name it is similar in intent made by pouring microfoam (steamed milk from the bottom of a pitcher) over a single or double shot of espresso resulting in a coffee made from steamed milk without the froth.

Described as an antipodean* style of coffee by down under baristas it is smaller (5.5 ounces) than a cappuccino and served in a tulip shaped cup rather than a cappuccino sized “bowl”. As their Italian counterparts, aficionados of the “flat white ” are particular about the preparation of this coffee saying that the drink “is to be supported rather than be drowned by milk” resulting in a “rich and velvety texture making for an exceptionally pleasing drink in the mouth”.

*Pertaining to the antipodes, or the opposite side of the world; antipodal.